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New Glendora resident questions recurring "meter connection" and elevation charges on water bills
Summary
New Glendora resident Crystal Miranda told the Water Commission on Oct. 21 that her first city water bill showed $11 in consumption but a $373 total because of a recurring “meter connection” charge, and she requested an explanation and the council resolution setting the fee.
Crystal Miranda, who identified herself as a new resident of Glendora, used the public comment period on Oct. 21 to ask the Water Commission to explain recurring non-usage charges on her city water bills.
Miranda said her first bill showed actual water usage of $11 but a total bill of $373 because of a listed “meter connection charge.” She said the same meter-connection line item reappeared on a subsequent bill, when usage was $23.40 but the total was $333, and that a later bill showed consumption of $55 with a total of about $430. Miranda said she was told by billing staff that the meter connection charge is a monthly flat rate and that nothing could be done.
"How can my bill be 1100% higher than my usage?" Miranda asked, noting an additional ‘‘elevation zone D’’ charge that she said increased delivery costs. She asked the commission to provide: (1) an explanation of what the monthly meter connection charge pays for and a copy of the council resolution establishing the fee, (2) a justification for a rate structure that places fixed charges well above usage charges and that she said penalizes low users, and (3) what can be done to review and reform the structure for her and other residents.
Chair Sher Hansen and staff reminded Miranda that the Water Commission is the meeting body on the agenda and that staff typically do not respond during public comment, but Public Works Director Bill (surname not specified in the transcript) and staff members offered to meet with Miranda after the meeting to review her bill. Bill later said staff would contact her and pursue the matter after the meeting.
Ending: Staff committed to follow up with Miranda after the meeting; commissioners and staff also noted the billing conversion to a new system has led to some customer-notification and autopay issues discussed later in the meeting.
